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Nota Bene
The Scottish Wild Mushroom Code Scottish Natural Heritage Available at: www.nature.scot/plants-animals-andfungi/fungi The countryside is a working landscape. Please be aware of your own safety and follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/). In accordance with this code, there are some instances e.g. commercial harvest, where you must make contact with the land manager before you collect mushrooms. By respecting the natural environment, you can help to manage and conserve the countryside. When collecting mushrooms for any purpose, please consider the following points:
Where to collect
If you own or manage land
What to collect
Wildlife, especially insects, need mushrooms too, so only collect what you will use. Some mushrooms are poisonous and others rare and should not be collected— only collect what you know and take a field guide with you to identify mushrooms where you find them. Some species are vulnerable, so please consider whether there is an alternative species that is more common that might suit your purpose.
Before you collect mushrooms at a nature reserve, please always seek advice from the manager, as special conditions may apply. Visit www.snh.gov.uk to find out more about protected areas in Scotland.
Mushrooms are a critical part of the natural cycle in grassland and woodlands; if these are compromised, all elements of the ecosystem will be affected. Be aware that your management activities may affect mushrooms.
If you wish to run a foray or collect for scientific purposes, remember to:
Ensure the safety of your party; make contact with the land manager in advance of your visit. Give a record of what you have found to the land manager and explain the significance of your findings.
How to collect
Allow mushrooms to release spores. Do not pick mushrooms until the cap has opened out and leave those that are past their best. The main part of the mushroom is below the surface. Take care not to damage or trample it, and do not disturb its surroundings. Scatter trimming discreetly in the same area that the mushrooms came from.
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